Comb and container assembly

ABSTRACT

A comb and container assembly comprising a plurality of comb sections and a container having a chamber for receipt of such comb sections therein. The container is adapted to serve as a handle for any one or all of the comb sections and can be assembled therewith in a handle-forming configuration to enable the resultant comb structure to be conveniently manipulated in combing, styling, and other working of hair, especially hair that is long, thick, coarse and wiry.

United States Patent [72] Inventor ForestNclson,Jr. 2,192,408 3/1940 Lux.......,..

4490ArcadiaAve.,0akland,Calit.94602 2.559367 /1951 Garofalo.....

[2|] Appl-N 806,657 3,424,174 1/1969 Batta lia Filed 122] d 2 FOREIGN PATENTS [451 Paeme y 686,902 4/1930 France Primary Examiner-Louis G. Mancene 1 1 COMP AND COWAIFER ASSEMBLY Assistant Examiner-J. N. Eskovitz 8 Claims, 5 Drawn: s Attorney-Gardner and Zimmerman A4511 ABSTRACT: A comb and container assembly comprising a plurality of comb sections and a container having a chamber 1 1, for receipt of such comb sections therein. The container is adapted to serve as a handle for any one or all of the comb sec- [56] Rdereum CM tions and can be assembled therewith in a handle UNITED STATES PATENTS figuration to enable the resultant comb structu 780,540 1/1905 Thomas.......,...

-forming conre to be con- 132/143 X veniently manipulated in combing, styling, and other working 1,689,355 10/1928 McMillan 132/136 X ofhair, especially hair that is long, thick, coarse and wiry.

COMB AND CONTAINER ASSEMBLY DISCLOSURE This invention relates to hair combs and, more particularly, to a comb and container assembly in which a plurality of comb sections can be stored within a container to define a package therewith and, alternatively, can be joined with the container in a configuration such that it provides a handle for any one or all of the comb sections.

Combs of many types and styles are available commercially including foldable combs in which a structural portion thereof serves in one position as a cover for the teeth of the comb and in another position as a handle therefor. While all such combs are generally satisfactory for the uses intended therefor, they do have limited utility in the sense that they are not suitable for certain hair stylings and, particularly, one of the currently popular styles in which the hair stands out from the scalp to a considerable length to give a bushy appearance. The teeth of conventional combs are not of adequate length for working hair styled in this manner, and conventional combs are not sufficiently strong to accommodate hair that is thick, wiry, and heavy or coarse when so styled.

In view of the foregoing, an object, among others, of the present invention is to provide an improved comb structure especially useful in combing, shaping, and otherwise manipulating hair of the type indicated and styled in the manner heretofore described. Another object is that of providing an improved comb and container assembly in which the teeth or tines of the comb are quite long and the container, when not enclosing and protecting such teeth, serves as a handle-the assemblage being quite strong so that the handle in association with the comb affords good leverage in processing thick, wiry or heavy hair even when shaped in the bushy-type styling described.

A further object is in the provision of an assembly of the character indicated including a container having a chamber therewithin and a plurality of comb sections each having relatively long teeth insertable into such chamber so as to be enclosed and protected thereby when not in use; and in which the comb sections are selectively and conjointly connectable with the container in a plurality of different configurations, whereupon considerable versatility is afforded in use of the assembly. Yet a further object is to provide a comb and container assembly as set forth in which key and keyway, stop structure and connector structure are provided and by means of which the comb sections and container are interlockingly connectable so as to prevent inadvertent separation thereof; and in which such interconnections are quite strong and thereby enable the assembly to be used with the hair types and stylings heretofore explained. Additional objects and advantages of the invention, particularly as concerns specific characteristics and features thereof, will become apparent as the specification proceeds.

An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view in elevation of the assembly with por tions of the container thereof broken away;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a transverse sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2, but with the comb sections removed;

FIG. 4 is a broken side view in elevation illustrating the container in handle-forming connection with one of the comb sections; and

FIG. 5 is a broken side view in elevation illustrating the container in handle-forming connection with the other comb section and in which the two comb sections are interconnected to form a continuous comb.

The assembly exemplifying the present invention is denoted in its entirety with the numeral 10, and it includes a container 11 and a comb comprising two comb sections 12 and 13. The comb sections 12 and 13 are selectively cooperative with the container 11 so as to form the compact package illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 in which the comb sections are essentially located within the container and the configuration of use illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 in which the container 11 defines a handle-forming configuration with one or the other or both of the comb sections 12 and 13.

The container 11 defines a chamber 14 therewithin, as shown best in FIGS. 2 and 3, and such chamber is provided between spaced-apart sidewalls l5 and 16, spaced-apart longitudinal edges 17 and 18 that join the sidewalls and may be formed integrally therewith, and a bottom or transverse edge 19 which also joins the sidewalls and longitudinal edges and may be integral therewith. At its upper transverse edge 20, the chamber is open so as to provide access to the interior thereof. The container 11 may be formed of any suitable material, and in a typical instance is formed of a molded plastic material such as polystyrene. The bottom transverse edge 19 of the container is equipped with a channel or keyway 21 which in the embodiment of the invention shown has a generally T- shaped configuration in sectional view, as shown clearly in FIG. 2. The keyway 21 is open along the longitudinal edge 17 of the container but is closed adjacent the opposite edge 18, as indicated at 22 in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5.

Along the longitudinal edge 17, the container 11 is provided with a rail 23 which is also of T-shaped configuration (as shown in FIG. 3) and corresponds essentially in its cross-sectional dimensions to the cross-sectional dimensions of the keyway 21. Slidably mounted upon the 'rail 23 is a stop 24 selectively movable between the position shown in FIG. 1 in which it is remote from the open end of the keyway 21 to an extended position such as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 in which it overlies such open end of the keyway to form an abutment confining one or the other of the comb sections 12 and 13, as explained hereinafter. The rail 23 and stop 24 together define stop structure for the assembly, and the stop 24 may have any length convenient or esthetically desirable provided that in the retracted position thereof it does not interfere with free access into and egress from the keyway 21. The stop 24 may be formed of any suitable material, and in the ordinary case will be of the same material as that of the container 1].

Along its opposite longitudinal edge 18, the container 11 may be provided with a plurality of spaced-apart notches or recesses 25 contoured to receive the fingers of a hand therein. Evidently then, the recesses 25 define a finger grip along the edge 18 which is a convenience during use of the assembly as a come, particularly when the container 11 is in the handleforming configuration thereof illustrated in FIG. 5.

The comb section 12 has a base 26 equipped with a key 27 dimensioned and shaped so as to slidably engage the keyway 21, as shown in FIG. 4. Accordingly, the key 27 has a generally T-shaped configuration as is most apparent in FIG. 2. Extending from the base 26 are a plurality of spaced-apart teeth or tines 28 oriented in substantially parallel relation. Similarly, the comb section 13 is provided with a base 29 equipped with a key 30 therealong which is of T-shaped configuration, as shown best in FIG. 2 and has the same shape and cross-sectional dimensions as that of the key 27. A plurality of spaced-apart teeth or tines 31 extend from the base in substantially parallel relation. The base 29 is provided with an extension 32 having a generally right-angle orientation with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base, as depicted most clearly in FIG. 1, and the extension 32 is equipped with a key 33 which is effectively an extension of the key 30 and is similarly dimensioned and configurated so as to be slidably receivable within the keyway 21, as shown in FIG. 5.

Slidably mounted upon the key 30 is a connector 34 that is useful in interconnecting the two comb sections 12 and 13, as shown in FIG. 5. In this respect, when a comb length is required that is greater than would be afforded by use of one or the other of the comb sections 12 and 13 individually, the comb section 12 is aligned with the comb section 13 so that the keys 27 and 30 thereof form continuations of each other, and the connector 34 is then displaced along such keys so as to provide a convenient handgrip I with a handle by inserting the key 33 of the base extension 32 into the keyway 21 and by then displacing the stop 24 into slidable engagement with the key 30 of the base 29, thereby preventing removal of the key 33 from the keyway.

When not in use, the comb sections 12 and 13 can have the teeth 28 and 31 thereof inserted into the chamber 14 of the container 11, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The connector 34 can be located on either of the bases 26 or 29, and the base not so equipped with the connector (which in the drawing is illustrated as being the base 26) is oriented so that it is in juxtaposition with the open upper end 20 of the container 11, as shown in both FIGS. 1 and 2. The comb section 13 along its connector-equipped base 29 overlies the base 26 of the comb section 12, and the base extension 32 projects downwardly along the longitudinal edge 18 of the container, as seen in H0. 1.

In this assembled condition of the container 11 with the comb sections 12 and 13, a compact package is provided that is readily carried, and in this reference can be placed within a shirt pocket with the extension 32 projecting downwardly along the outside of the pocket thereby serving as a clip tending to confine the assembly within such pocket. When it is desired to use the assembly as a comb, it is most advantageous to withdraw each of the sections 12 and 13 from the container 11 and then connect one or the other or both of the sections with the container in its handle-forming configuration so as to therefor.

in this respect, either of the sections 12 or 13 (but most logically the section 12) can be assembled with the container 11 in the configuration shown in FIG. 4 in which the key 27 of the section 12 is inserted into the keyway 21 and the section then confined within the keyway by displacing the stop 24 downwardly along the track 23 until it overlies the open end of the keyway 21 and thereby substantially abuts the adjacent end of the base 26. Such relative orientation of the handleforrning container 11 with the comb section 12 is useful in certain shaping and manipulation of the hair.

The more usual comb configuration shown in FIG. may be provided by inserting the key 33 of the base extension 32 into the keyway 21 and then displacing the stop 24 along the rail 23 until the stop engages the key 30 of the base 29 which locks the section 13 to the container 11 in the handle-forming configuration thereof. In the event that a longer comb is desired, the section 12 is placed against the section 13 with the bases 26 and- 29 in substantial alignment and the connector 34 is then moved along the keyways 27 and 30 into overlying relation with each, whereupon the two comb sections 12 and 13 are united. The comb assembly is then used in the ordinary manner with the container 11 serving as a handle and the recesses 25 providing a convenient handgrip therefor.

The comb and container assembly may be used by anyone and is sufficiently versatile to have significant utility as a barbers comb for use in cutting, shaping, and other processing of the hair. The teeth 28 and 31 are quite long and are protected when not in use by being enclosed within the chamber 14 of the container 11, and because of their length make the assembly very useful in combing and manipulating hair that is quite bushyi.e., stands away from the head and scalp. in many instances, hair styled in this manner is thick and coarse or heavy and is therefore difficult to comb, and the present assembly can be made quite strong and is therefore especially useful in working with hair styled in this manner. With reference thereto, the comb sections 12 and 13 can be formed of any suitable material including high strength plastics and metals such as steel.

While in the foregoing specification an embodiment of the invention has been set forth in considerable detail for purposes of making a complete disclosure thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in thc art that numerous changes may be made in such details without departing, from the spirit and principles of the invention.

What I claim is:

l. A comb and container assembly, comprising: a comb having a base provided with a key therealong and equipped with a plurality of outwardly extending spaced-apart teeth oriented in substantially parallel relation; and a container defining a chamber therein open along oneedge to accommodate insertion of said teeth into said chamber, said container being provided along another edge thereof with a keyway adapted to receive said key therein; said container serving as a handle for said comb when said key is within said keyway and defining a package therewith when said teeth are within said chamber; said container being equipped with a stop structure selectively movable into confining relation with said comb when said key is within said keyway so as to prevent inadvertent separation thereof; and in which said stop structure includes an elongated rail provided by said container along an edge thereof traversing the aforesaid keyway-equipped edge, and further includes a stop having a passage therealong configurated in correspondence to said rail and slidably receiving the same therein, said stop being selectively displaceable along said rail between a retracted position remote from said keyway and an extended position overlying the same to confine said key therein.

2. The assembly of claim 1 in which said keyway is closed at the end thereof remote from said stop structure.

3. The assembly of claim 1 in which said comb is comprised of two sections each havinga base provided with a key therealong and equipped with such a plurality of outwardly extending spaced-apart teeth oriented in substantially parallel relation, the teeth of each of said comb sections being receivable within said chamber, and further including a connector configurated in correspondence with each of said keys for slidably receiving the same therein, said comb sections being connectable one with another with said keys thereof in longitudinally aligned juxtaposition and said connector engaging each of said keys.

4. The assembly of claim 3 in which the base of one of said comb sections is equipped with an extension projecting angularly therefrom in generally parallel relation with the teeth thereof, the key of said one comb section being defined along said extension thereof.

5. The assembly of claim 4 in which said container is equipped with stop structure selectively movable into confining relation with either of said comb sections when the key thereof is within said keyway so as to prevent inadvertent separation thereof.

6. The assembly of claim 5 in which said stop structure includes an elongated rail provided by said container along an edge thereof traversing the aforesaid keyway-equipped edge, and further includes a stop having a passage therealong configurated in correspondence to said rail and slidably receiving the same therein, said stop being selectively displaceable along said rail between a retracted position remote from said keyway and an extended position overlying the same to confine any one of said keys therein, and in which said keyway is closed at the end thereof remote from said stop structure.

7. The assembly of claim 1 in which said container includes a casing having spaced-apart sidewalls defining said chamber therebetween and being closed along each longitudinal edge and one transverse edge and open along the other transverse edge to provide access to said chamber as aforesaid, said keyway being provided along the closed transverse edge of said casing and being closed at one end; in which said comb is comprised of two sections each having a base provided with a key therealong and equipped with such a plurality of outwardly extending spaced-apart teeth oriented in substantially parallel relation, the teeth of each of said comb sections being receivable within said chamber, and further including a connector configurated in correspondence with each of said keys for slidably receiving the same therein, said comb sections being connectable one with another with said keys thereof in longitudinally aligned juxtaposition and said connector engaging each of said keys; in which the base of one of said comb sections is equipped with an extension projecting angularly to said rail and slidably receiving the same therein, said stop being selectively displaceable along said rail between a retracted position remote from said keyway and an extended position overlying the same to confine any one of said keys therein.

8. The assembly of claim 7 in which said casing is provided with finger grips along the longitudinal edge thereof opposite the rail-equipped edge to facilitate the function of said container as a handle. 

1. A comb and container assembly, comprising: a comb having a base provided with a key therealong and equipped with a plurality of outwardly extending spaced-apart teeth oriented in substantially parallel relation; and a container defining a chamber therein open along one edge to accommodate insertion of said teeth into said chamber, said container being provided along another edge thereof with a keyway adapted to receive said key therein; said container serving as a handle for said comb when said key is within said keyway and defining a package therewith when said teeth are within said chamber; said container being equipped with a stop structure selectively movable into confining relation with said comb when said key is within said keyway so as to prevent inadvertent separation thereof; and in which said stop structure includes an elongated rail provided by said container along an edge thereof traversing the aforesaid keyway-equipped edge, and further includes a stop having a passage therealong configurated in correspondence to said rail and slidably receiving the same therein, said stop being selectively displaceable along said rail between a retracted position remote from said keyway and an extended position overlying the same to confine said key therein.
 2. The assembly of claim 1 in which said keyway is closed at the end thereof remote from said stop structure.
 3. The assembly of claim 1 in which said comb is comprised of two sections each having a base provided with a key therealong and equipped with such a plurality of outwardly extending spaced-apart teeth oriented in substantially parallel relation, the teeth of each of said comb sections being receivable within said chamber, and further including a connector configurated in correspondence with each of said keys for slidably receiving the same therein, said comb sections being connectable one with another with said keys thereof in longitudinally aligned juxtaposition and said connector engaging each of said keys.
 4. The assembly of claim 3 in which the base of one of said comb sections is equipped with an extension projecting angularly therefrom in generally parallel relation with the teeth thereof, the key of said one comb section being defined along said extension thereof.
 5. The assembly of claim 4 in which said container is equipped with stop structure selectively movable into confining relation with either of said comb sections when the key thereof is within said keyway so as to prevent inadvertent separation thereof.
 6. The assembly of claim 5 in which said stop structure includes an elongated rail provided by said container along an edge thereof traversing the aforesaid keyway-equipped edge, and further includes a stop having a passage therealong configurated in correspondence to said rail and slidably receiving the same therein, said stop being selectively displaceable along said rail between a retracted position remote from said keyway and an extended position overlying the same to confine any one of said keys therein, and in which said keyway is closed at the end thereof remote from said stop structure.
 7. The assembly of claim 1 in which said container includes a casing having spaced-apart sidewalls defining said chamber therebetween and being closed along each longitudinal edge and one transverse edge and open along the other transverse edge to provide access to said chamber as aforesaid, said keyway being provided along the closed transverse edge of said casing and being closed at one end; in which said comb is comprised of two sections each having a base provided with a key therealong and equipped with such a plurality of outwardly extending spaced-apart teeth oriented in substantially parallel relation, the teeth of each of said comb sections being receivable within said chamber, and further including a connector configurated in correspondence with each of said keys for slidably receiving the same therein, said comb sections being connectable one with another with said keys thereof in longitudinally aligned juxtaposition and said connector engaging each of said keys; in which the base of one of said comb sections is equipped with an extension projecting angularly therefrom in generally parallel relation with the teeth thereof, the key of said one comb section being defined along said extension thereof; in which said container is equipped with stop structure selectively movable into confining relation with either of said comb sections when the key thereof is within said keyway so as to prevent inadvertent separation thereof; and in which said stop structure includes an elongated rail provided by said container along an edge thereof traversing the aforesaid keyway-equipped edge, and further includes a stop having a passage therealong configurated in correspondence to said rail and slidably receiving the same therein, said stop being selectively displaceable along said rail between a retracted position remote from said keyway and an extended position overlying the same to confine any one of said keys therein.
 8. The assembly of claim 7 in which said casing is provided with finger grips along the longitudinal edge thereof opposite the rail-equipped edge to facilitate the function of said container as a handle. 